He imprudently lodged a complaint with the authorities.

Being asked for an exact description of the stolen articles, he sent the remaining half-dozen to speak for themselves to the magistrate who had charge of the affair.

It is chronicled that he never again saw either the first or the second half-dozen! The malversations of public functionaries are tolerated so long as they do not directly touch the higher powers.

Officials of every degree hold out their hands for a present.

The Government rather encourages the system than the reverse.